Table tennis net support assemblies

ABSTRACT

A pair of net support assemblies that are permanently secured to the two rectangular playing surfact defining sections on a hinged tennis table. The assemblies are of such structure that they automatically dispose a net in a vertical transverse position when the two sections with which they are associated are pivoted from second positions where they are situated back-to-back for storage purposes, to a first position where the sections are axially aligned in a horizontal plane for playing purposes. The assemblies at all times remain connected to the table, and the possibility of either the net or the support therefor being inadvertently mislaid, lost or otherwise separated from the table is eliminated.

[ 1 Nov. 20, 1973 United States Patent 1 Mirand TABLE TENNIS NET SUPPORT Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-Theatrice Brown AttorneyWi1liam C. Babcock ASSEMBLIES [76] Inventor:

August Mirand, 6133 Carpintero, Lakewood, Calif. 90713 Dec. 4, 1972 [22] Filed:

[21] Appl. No; 311,822 A pair of net support assemblies that are permanently Related U S Applicafinn Data secured to the two rectangular playing surfact defining C ti ti sections on a hinged tennis table. The assemblies are on nua on-ln- 1971 b d 5 of Sept of such structure that they automatically dispose a net a an one in a vertical transverse position when the two sections with which they are associated are pivoted from sec- 0nd positions where they are situamd bacbtmback for 108/115 storage purposes, to a first position where the sections [58] Field of Search are axially aligned in a horizontal plane for playing purposes. The assemblies at all times remain connected to the table, and the possibility of either the net or the support therefor being inadvertent! y mlS- laid, lost or otherwise separated from the table is eliminated.

2,723,122 Jaysane 273/30 3,190,649 Heisler.................................. 273/30 7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a Continuation-in-Part of my US. Pat. application Ser. No. 179,802 entitled Table Tennis Net Support Assemblies filed Sept. 13, 1971 (now abandoned).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. The field of the invention Table tennis net support assemblies.

2. Description of the prior art Table tennis, as is well known, is played on a table having a net extending transversely across the center thereof, with the net normally being supported by clamps and associated uprights that are removably se cured to the table. During the past few years, tables suitable for playing table tennis thereon have been devised and marketed, in which the table comprises two rectangular sections that have first ends thereof adjacently disposed. The first ends are connected by hinges or other pivotal means.

Such tables permit the two sections to be pivoted into upright positions where they are situated back-to-back, and occupy a minimum of space when in storage. When desired, the table may be removed to a suitable location, and the sections pivoted to positions where they are situated end-to-end and are horizontally positioned to define a playing surface. In the past when a hinged table of the above description was collapsed into a condition suitable for storage, the net and the net supports would have to be removed therefrom. Frequently, during a storage period, the net or the net supports became lost or inadvertently mislaid, and the table could not be used for its intended purpose until either the net or net supports were found, or an additional net and net supports purchased for mounting on the table. The loss of either a net or the net supports is annoying, and obviously limits the value of the table as an amusement device.

The primary purpose in devising the present invention is to supply a pair of net support assemblies that are permanently mounted on the adjacent end portions of the first and second sections that define a table tennis table, with the assemblies being of such structure that the table can be collapsed into a second position in which it occupies a minimum of space when in storage. Upon the sections being pivoted to a first position, the assemblies automatically erect a net associated therewith to a transverse-vertical position whereby the table may be used immediately for its intended purpose.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A pair of net support assemblies for use on a table tennis table that includes first and second rectangular sections that are pivotally secured to one another by hinges at their first adjacently disposed ends. Each assembly includes first and second plates that are permanently secured by screws or other conventional fastening means to the axially aligned edges of the first and second. sections adjacent the first ends thereof. First and second arms are pivotally supported from the first and second plates and extend upwardly therefrom at an angle to overlap one another. An elongate vertical net support member is disposed inwardly from the first and 2 second arms, with upper and lower lengths of cord that extend from the net being secured to this member. The

- first and second arms, on their upper portions, are pivotally secured to one another by a first rivet or pin, and this rivet or pin is also secured to the net support member.

The first and second arms have first and second oppositely curving first and second arcuate slots formed therein that are engaged by a second rivet or pin that extends therethrough to slidably engage an elongate slot formed in the net support member. When the first and second sections of the table are horizontally disposed, the second pin or rivet is in the upper portion of the first and second slot and the longitudinal slot in the net support member, but as the sections are pivoted to the second position where they are situated back-toback, the second rivet or pin moves downwardly in the first and second slots and the longitudinal slot to a position adjacent the lower ends thereof. Due to the net support member being connected to the first and second arms by first and second rivets as above described, the net support member remains vertically positioned both when the first and second sections are in the first and second positions, as well as positions intermediate therebetwe'en.

A major object of the present invention is to provide a pair of net support assemblies that may be permanently mounted on a table tennis table that has two pivotally connected first and second sections, and with the sections being adapted to be positioned end-to-end to define a horizontal playing surface, or pivoted to a second position where the sections are back-to-back and substantially vertically disposed to minimize the space required in storing the table.

Another object of the invention is to supply a pair of net support assemblies that may be permanently secured to a table tennis table of hinged construction, with the assemblies being actuated by pivotal movement of the sections as they are moved from a second to a first position to automatically erect the net in a vertical-transverse position on the table to permit the table to be used immediately.

A further object of the invention is to furnish a pair of net support assemblies that remain permanently secured to a table tennis table of hinged construction, and to remove the possibility of the net, or the net supports being inadvertently lost or mislaid, or otherwise separated from the table when the latter is in storage.

A further object of the invention is to supply net support assemblies for a table tennis table that eliminates the necessity of removing the net and net supports from the table when it is placed in storage, and placing the net and net supports on the table when it is desired to use the latter for playing table tennis.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a pair of net support assemblies that are of a relatively simple structure, inexpensive to produce, and may be retailed at a sufficiently low price as to encourage their widespread use on table tennis tables as an integral part thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hinged table tennis table having a pair of my net support assemblies mounted on opposite sides thereof, with the assemblies at all times maintaining a net in a transverse centered position on the table;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of one of the support assemblies;

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one of the net support assemblies, taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2, and when the first and second sections of the table are disposed end-to-end in a horizontal plane;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of one of the net support assemblies taken on the line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a second side elevational view of the net support when the first and second sections of the table tennis table with which it is associated are pivoted to upright positions; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a modified form of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 3 In FIG. 1 two rectangular rigid sections A and B that define the playing surface of a table tennis table C are shown that have the adjacent ends 10 thereof pivotally connected by a number of hinges D. The sections A and B are supported at desired elevations when in first horizontal positions by conventional leg structures (not shown). The hinges D permit the sections A and B to be pivoted in back-to-back relationship in second positions as illustrated in FIG. 5, where the sections are vertically disposed and occupy a minimum of space in storage.

A conventional new E is provided that has upper and lower cords 12 and 14 projecting from the ends thereof. Two identical net support assemblies F and F are mounted on opposite sides of the sections A and B, and at all times support the net E in a vertical position.

The detailed structure of net support assembly F is as follows: Two vertical plates 16 and 18 are permanently secured to the axially aligned edges 20 and 22 of sections A and B by conventional means such as screws, adhesives or the like (not shown). The plates are preferably formed with pairs of spaced flanges 16a and 18a that are in gripping contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the sections A and B, as shown in FIG. 1.

Assembly F includes first and second arms G and H,

each of which includes first elongate sections 24 that at least partially overlap one another. The arms G and H have second elongate sections 26 that extend downwardly and angularly in opposite directions from the first sections 24 to overlap external surface portions of the plates 16 and 18. First rivets or pins 28 extend through openings in second sections 26,and are secured to plates 16 and 18. The rivets 28 serve to pivotally support the arms G and H from plates 16 and 18.

The first and second arms G and H at the junction of the first and second sections 24 and 26 have oppositely curving first arcuate slots 30 therein, which slots have transversely aligned portions. An elongate net support member J is provided that is vertically disposed and adjacently positioned to the first section 24 of second arm H, as shown in FIG. 1. Member .I has an elongate longitudinal second slot 32 formed therein. A second rivet or pin 34 extends through first slots 30, as well as second slot 32, as shown in FIG. 3.

The net support member I has normally disposed legs 36 at the top and bottom thereof in which openings 38 are formed. The upper and lower cords l2 and 14 are extended through openings 38 and secured to the legs 36 by knots (not shown). Transversely aligned bores 40 are formed in the upper parts of first sections 24 and net support member J through which a third rivet or pin 42 extends, as shown in FIG. 3. I j

When the sections A and B are in the first horizontal position, as illustrated in, FIGS. 1 and 2, the second rivet 34 is in the upper portion of the slots 30 and 32, and the net support mmeber J isvertically positioned. As the sections A and B are pivoted from the first to the second position, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the arms G and H pivot on the third rivet 42 relative'to net-supporting member J, with the second rivet 42 relative to netsupporting member .I, with the second rivet 34 moving downwardly concurrently in the two curved slots 30. Due to the oppositely curved configuration of the slots 36, and the pivotal movement of the sections A and B, the second rivets 34 in conjunction with the third rivet 42, cause the arms G and H to assume the configuration shown in FIG. 5 when the selections are in the second position. The second rivet 34 and the third rivet 42 at all times remain vertically aligned as pivotal movement of sections A and B takes place. Therefore, the net support member J at all times remains vertically positioned, for the net support member is connected to both the second and third rivets 34 and 42.

Assembly F is identical in structure to assembly F and need not be described. Elements of assembly F are identified in the drawing by the same numerals and letters in conjunction with assembly F, but with primes being added thereto.

The arm sections 26 have upper parts 26a thereof outwardly offset from lower parts 26b thereof to the extent that the net support member J does not overlie the playing surfaces of the sections A and B.

The use and operation of the net support assemblies F and F have been described previously in detail and need not be repeated.

A modified form M of the invention is shown in FIG. 6 that includes not only the net-erecting mechanism illustrated in FIG. 1, but means for hingedly connecting the table sections A and B to one another. Elements in form M common to those comprising the first form previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to S inclusive are identified by the numerals and letters previously used, but to which primes have been added.

In the modified form M, the plates 16 are not required.

Form M of the invention includes two pairs of first and second elongate members N-l and N-2 that are mounted on opposite sides of the table sections A and B and adjacent to the end surfaces thereof, as shown in FIG. 6. First member N-l includes an elongate portion 102 that has a normally disposed flange 104 at a first end thereof, and a second end of portion 102 which develops into an off-set 106, that in turn develops on the inner end thereof into a longitudinal extension 108.

Each member portion 102 has an opening 102a formed therein that is engaged by a rivet 28' which also engages an opening formed in one of the arm sections 26b. The extensions 108 each have a number of openings 108a formed therein that are engaged by screws 112, which screws serve to hold the extensions in abutting contact with the sides 20 of table sections A and B when embedded therein. The flanges 104 have openings (not shown) through which screws 114 extend to hold the flanges in abutting contact with end surfaces 100 of table sections A and B.

The flanges 104 of each pair of members N-l and N-2 have tab portions thereof formed to define tubular hinge members 1 l6 and l 18 that are longitudinally offset from one another and are positioned on a common axis. When the hinge members 116 and 118 are so disposed on a common axis, they may be engaged by bolts or .pins 120 to pivotally connect the table sections A and B to one another.

From the above description it will be seen that the modified form M of the invention operates in the same manner as the form first described, but in addition, serves to pivotally connect the table sections A and B to one another.

I claim:

1. In combination with a table tennis table having first and second rectangular sections that are hinged together on first ends thereof to permit said sections to be disposed in a first position to define a horizontal playing surface of in a second position where said first and second sections are substantially parallel and the playing surfaces thereof are adjacently disposed, a pair of net support assemblies for automatically positioning an elongate transverse net in a vertical position when said sections are moved to said first position, said net having upper and lower lengths of cord projecting from the ends thereof, each of said assemblies including:

a. first and second longitudinally aligned plates secured to longitudinally aligned sides of said first and second sections adjacent said first ends thereof;

b. an elongate vertical member having said upper and lower lengths of cord at one end of said net secured thereto;

c. first and second rigid arms that are angularly positioned relative to one another, each of which arms include first and second sections, with said first sections at all times having portions that overlap'one another and have oppositely curving arcuate slots formed therein, at least a portion of which slots are transversely aligned;

d. first means for pivotally supporting said second sections from said first and second plates to permit said first and second arms to extend upwardly therefrom;

e. second means that extend through said first and second slots to slidably engage a third longitudinal slot in said net support member; and

f. third means for pivotally connecting said first sections to said net support member, with said second and third means remaining axially aligned as said arms pivot relative to one another and said second means move concurrently in said arcuate slots as said first and second sections are pivoted between said first and second positions, and said net support member being normally disposed to said first and second sections when the latter are in said first position due to being connected to both said second and third means.

2. A net support assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said second sections has an upper portion that is outwardly disposed from the lower portion thereof to the extent that said net support member does not overlie the playing surface of said first and second sections.

3. A net support assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said elongate net support has legs projecting from the upper and lower ends thereof to which said upper and lower lengths of cord are secured.

4. A net support assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said second means is a rivet. I

5. A net support, assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said third, means is a rivet. v

6. In combination with a table tennis table having first and second sections that are longitudinally aligned and when in a first position define a horizontal playing surface, and in a second position where they are substantially parallel occupy a minimum of storage space, a pair of laterally spaced assemblies for pivotally connecting adjoining first ends of said sections and for automatically positioning an elongate transverse net in a vertical position, which net has upper and lower lengths of cord projecting from the ends thereof, with each of said assemblies including:

a. first and second longitudinally aligned hinged means secured to said first and second sections adjacent said first ends thereof and so pivotally connecting said first and second sections that they may be disposed in either said first or second position;

b. an elongate vertical net support member having said upper and lower lengths of cord at one end of said net secured thereto;

0. first and second rigid arms that are angularly positioned relative to one another, each of which arms include first and second sections, with said first sections at all times having portions that overlap one another and have oppositely curving arcuate slots formed therein, at least a portion of which slots are transversely aligned;

d. first means for pivotally supporting said second arm sections from said first and second hinge means to permit said first and second arms to extend upwardly therefrom;

e. second means that extend through said slots to slidably engage a longitudinal slot in said net support member; and

f. third means for pivotally connecting said first sections to said net support member, with said second and third means remaining axially aligned as said arms pivot relative to one another and said second means move concurrently in said arcuate slots and said longitudinal slot as said first and second table sections are pivoted between said first and second positions, and said net support member being normally disposed to said first and second table sections when the latter are in said first position due to being connected to both said second and third means.

7. An assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein each set of said first and second hinge means includes:

g. first and second elongate members formed of a rigid sheet material that define elongate portions which extend longitudinally along sides of said first and second table sections adjacent said first ends thereof, which portions are outwardly disposed from said sides, first and second flanges normally disposed relative to said elongate portions that abut against said first ends of said sections, and first and second off-set elongate extensions that are in abutting contact with longitudinally aligned sides of said first and second table sections;

h. fourth means for holding said first and second flanges in said abutting contact with said first ends of said first and second table sections, and with said hinge members, with said first means pivotally supporting said second arm sections from said elongate portions of said first and second elongated members. 

1. In combination with a table tennis table having first and second rectangular sections that are hinged together on first ends thereof to permit said sections to be disposed in a first position to define a horizontal playing surface of in a second position where said first and second sections are substantially parallel and the playing surfaces thereof are adjacently disposed, a pair of net support assemblies for automatically positioning an elongate transverse net in a vertical position when said sections are moved to said first position, said net having upper and lower lengths of cord projecting from the ends thereof, each of said assemblies including: a. first and second longitudinally aligned plates secured to longitudinally aligned sides of said first and second sections adjacent said first ends thereof; b. an elongate vertical member having said upper and lower lengths of cord at one end of said net secured thereto; c. first and second rigid arms that are angularly positioned relative to one another, each of which arms include first and second sections, with said first sections at all times having portions that overlap one another and have oppositely curving arcuate slots formed therein, at least a portion of which slots are transversely aligned; d. first means for pivotally supporting said second sections from said first and second plates to permit said first and second arms to extend upwardly therefrom; e. second means that extend through said first and second slots to slidably engage a third longitudinal slot in said net support member; and f. third means for pivotally connecting said first sections to said net support member, with said second and third means remaining axially aligned as said arms pivot relative to one another and said second means move concurrently in said arcuate slots as said first and second sections are pivoted between said first and second positions, and said net support member being normally disposed to said first and second sections when the latter are in said first position due to being connected to both said second and third means.
 2. A net support assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said second sections has an upper portion that is outwardly disposed from the lower portion thereof to the extent that said net support member does not overlie the playing surface of said first and second sections.
 3. A net support assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said elongate net support has legs projecting from the upper and lower ends thereof to which said upper and lower lengths of cord are secured.
 4. A net support assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said second means is a rivet.
 5. A net support assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said third means is a rivet.
 6. In combination with a table tennis table having first and second sections that are longitudinally aligned and when in a first position define a horizontal playing surface, and in a second position where they are substantially parallel occupy a minimum of storage space, a pair of laterally spaced assemblies for pivotally connecting adjoining first ends of said sections and for automatically positioning an elongate transverse net in a vertical position, which net has upper and lower lengths of cord projecting from the ends thereof, with each of said assemblies including: a. first and second longitudinally aligned hinged means secured to said first and second sections adjacent said first ends thereof and so pivotally connecting said first and second sections that they may be disposed in either said first or second position; b. an elongate vertical net support member having said upper and lower lengths of cord at one end of said net secured thereto; c. first and second rigid arms that are angularly positioned relative to one another, each of which arms include first and second sections, with said first sections at all times having portions that overlap one another and have oppositely curving arcuate slots formed therein, at least a portion of which slots are transversely aligned; d. first means for pivotally supporting said second arm sections from said first and second hinge means to permit said first and second arms to extend upwardly therefrom; e. second means that extend through said slots to slidably engage a longitudinal slot in said net support member; and f. third means for pivotally connecting said first sections to said net support member, with said second and third means remaining axially aligned as said arms pivot relative to one another and said second means move concurrently in said arcuate slots and said longitudinal slot as said first and second table sections are pivoted between said first and second positions, and said net support member being normally disposed to said first and second table sections when the latter are in said first position due to being connected to both said second and third means.
 7. An assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein each set of said first and second hinge means includes: g. first and second elongate members formed of a rigid sheet material that define elongate portions which extend longitudinally along sides of said first and second table sections adjacent said first ends thereof, which portions are outwardly disposed from said sides, first and second flanges normally disposed relative to said elongate portions that abut against said first ends of said sections, and first and second off-set elongate extensions that are in abutting contact with longitudinally aligned sides of said first and second table sections; h. fourth means for holding said first and second flanges in said abutting contact with said first ends of said first and second table sections, and with said first and second extensions being in abutting contact with said sides of said first and second table sections; i. first and second hinge members supported from said first and second flanges; and j. a pin that pivotally engages said first and second hinge members, with said first means pivotally supporting said second arm sections from said elongate portions of said first and second elongated members. 